Heart and Stroke Encyclopedia

Knowledge starts here.

Chest compressions are used to manually pump blood through the heart of someone who has suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Compressions are part of Hands-Only CPRŽ, which is recommended for an adult who suddenly collapses outside the hospital. If someone collapses: (1) Call 9-1-1; and (2) Pump hard and fast in the center of the chest at the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. You may dramatically increase the victim's survival chances. You can sing "Stayin' Alive" to help you keep the right beat.